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CNMI Hospital Chief Financial Officer Resigns

Submitted by admin on Wed, 09/03/2014 - 00:00

Contractor from Hawaii brought in to assist CHCC

By Jayson Camacho

SAIPAN, CNMI (Saipan Tribune, Sept. 3, 2014) – Barely three months into his new job, Jack Taitague has resigned as chief financial officer of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., turning in his 30-day notice and leaving the corporation once again with an open position for a financial chief.

Taitague turned in his resignation last Thursday, according to CHCC chief executive officer Esther MuÃ±a.

Taitague came aboard CHCC on June 2 with a two-year contract and a salary of $90,000 per annum. He resigned not long before his 90-day probation period finished.

The hospital hasn’t had a permanent CFO since Alvaro Santos resigned in 2012 and the recent hiring of Taitague.

Muna told Saipan Tribune that although Taitague still has 30 days before he leaves, the hospital has already taken action in declaring Cora Ada as acting financial chief.

"We wish Taitague well and we have to think about things to be done in CHCC," MuÃ±a said.

Ada stepped down earlier this year as interim CFO but is taking on the post once more with Taisague’s resignation.

MuÃ±a said that former Hawaii Healthcare System CFO Mike Perel will joining the corporation under a special contract arrangement by the end of this month to help with the hospital’s financial system.

She said that Perel has vast experience in handling the finances of healthcare systems.

"He will work with the hospital and do an assessment and the accounting system to get CHCC in a better situation financially," MuÃ±a said.

She said the corporation is still looking for a CFO who meets the qualifications but the hospital is finding difficulties recruiting.

"Because there is not a lot of qualified people for the position, we need to look for one that is qualified and also get from off-island," she said.

"Work still has to be done here at CHCC and with Ada back and Perel who will help, the hospital will be fine," she added.

Saipan Tribune tried to obtain comments from Ada and Taitague but they could not be reached as of press time.

Pacific Islands Report is a nonprofit news publication of the Pacific Islands Development Program at the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Offered as a free service to readers, PIR provides an edited digest of news, commentary and analysis from across the Pacific Islands region, Monday - Friday.